So I liked posting pictures with each of these previews that we’ve been doing. Just about every team has a young guy or two that looks like they could be a serious player in the NHL for a long, long time. But then I came up against the Ottawa Senators—and I’m stumped. Who the hell do I put up for the Sens—Nick Foligno? Brian Lee? I’m surely not going to put up Dany Heatley (and don’t call me Shirley). I thought about putting up a picture of Hilary Duff—but this is about people that have LONG-TERM success. Yeah, I said it.
That’s exactly the problem the Ottawa Senators have right now. They’re 2 years removed from a Stanley Cup Final, yet now they look like they’re wearing cement shoes aboard the Titanic. They’re sinking—and they’re sinking fast.
Here’s Burgundy from over at StayClassy.net with his take on the current version of the Ottawa Senators. Yes, I know its dry reading, straight-forward and stylistically it resembles an encyclopedia—but… who am I kidding? Hilarious stuff…
1. What was the biggest strength last season?
This may sound weirder than a Wes Mantooth seafood date, but the fact the Ottawa Senators had a bad season last year was their biggest strength. Ottawa’s recent decline is in part due to emptying out the resource and prospect tank over the years. Let’s face it; late picks don’t always work… unless you are Detroit. Bryan Murray’s got the 9th overall pick to make something happen… and that’s a good thing. Better than that seafood date, at least. Oh, and that Cory Clouston guy is pretty good too, even if he makes goal-scorers take accountability.
He's young... so thats good.
2. What was the biggest weakness last season?
I can’t blame it on Ray Emery or even that awkward Gladiator in 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs against Pittsburgh (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi5nCd1ZVrw). They’ve gotten enough blame as it is, anyways. Instead, I’ll blame Tom Preissing and Joe Corvo. Actually, I can’t really blame those two either, but the point is, defense was 2008-2009’s biggest gap. None of the Sens defense could move pucks consistently. Not even Jay Bouwmeester will save your defense-core in the new NHL. You need 1st, 2nd and 3rd string defenseman who can skate and move pucks. It’s called depth and Ottawa was missing it badly last year. And that’s the cue for…
3. What is the biggest strength of the pipeline/young players? … Erik Karlsson. This guy is a rock star in the making and I can’t wait to see him anchor the Sens powerplay for years to come. Sens fans shouldn’t get their hopes up; Karlsson will likely spend most of next season in the AHL for development. Other guys Sens of note are Zach Smith, Jim O’Brien, Ilya Zubov and Peter Regin.
4. What are the biggest holes in the pipeline/young players?
Without a doubt, goaltending. Ottawa’s goaltender development struggles are well documented. Came close with Emery, but apparently the Senators training program doesn’t include anger management. Or self-discipline. Or dru – I won’t finish that sentence. Prospect Jeff Glass isn’t shaping up as well as expected and Brian Elliot is yet to show he’s the real deal.
5. Who do you think your GM will pick?
I’m guessing Bryan Murray will select either Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi or Jared Cowan (yes, I’m predicting him sliding down a bit more on draft day). As a Sens fan, I’d rather Cowan in an Ottawa uniform. He’d represent the closest Chara-like presence on Ottawa’s defense since well… Chara.
6. Who do you think your GM should pick?
Ryan Ellis. Anyone watching the Canadian World Junior team earlier this year knows how special this player is. Another great powerplay specialist could help the Sens big time. The way playoff games are called these days, a PP goal is often the difference between a win and a loss. TSN’s Bob McKenzie reckons Ellis’ slapshot to be the best and hardest of this year’s draft. I might be paraphrasing here, but I think Bob means Ellis’ shot hits harder than a will.i.am punch to the face. I could be off-base though.
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Unfortunately, unless Ottawa can turn Dany Heatley into a few good young players or Cory Clouston plans on running away with the Jack Adams award next season, the Senators could be in for a substantial rebuild. When you look at their back-end, they’re going to need more than just Erik Karlsson to mature into everyday NHL players. Defensemen take a little longer to develop, so they might as well get the process started. You always look for a guy that can make an immediate impact—but with their current situation, Bryan Murray should be open to a player that still needs seasoning in juniors or the AHL. It might be a long road, so they should do it the right way.
While you’re waiting for the Senators to trade Heatley (lets face it, it’s the off-season and ANY story is a good story), go check out StayClassy.net. Their self-proclaimed moniker: “The internet’s best damn hockey blog with a hint of burgundy…” is pretty accurate. Aside from their sense of humor, it’s their humility that keeps me coming back for more! Besides the website, you can follow them on twitter at @Stay_Classy
The NHL Draft is getting ready to kick off on Friday night, which means our Draft previews are starting to wind down. Thursday features the Edmonton Oilers, Oilers Nation, and their 10th overall pick. Let the Cogliano and the 10th pick for Dany Heatley rumors commence. We’ll see you tomorrow…
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